Phew, school holidays are still on, but we’ve hit that post-NYE lull, right? This weekend (Jan 3-4, 2026) is perfect for shaking off the lazy vibes—don't just go to South Bank! We’ve spotted some seriously cool stuff like Little Shop of Horrors opening up at QPAC and the surprisingly fun MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs craft session. Let's make the most of this summer heatwave!
Quick Picks
MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs
Museum of Brisbane
Free craft session where kids make their own suncatchers inspired by a current exhibition.
Cluedo
QPAC
The classic whodunnit comes to the stage – perfect for older kids and teens stuck inside.
Bluey's World Brisbane
Northshore
Immersive experience with life-size replicas of the Heeler house – must-do for little Bluey fans.
MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs
Pop into MoB for this super easy drop-in craft session. The kids can use glitter and sequins to make their own dazzling suncatcher – totally free and low-fuss for parents. It’s a great little creative hit while you’re downtown.
Why we picked it: It's a genuinely free, easy creative activity happening right in the city centre.
Clock Tower Tour
Take a trip up the City Hall Clock Tower for a cool 360-degree view of the city—it’s way more interesting than it sounds! You get to ride one of Brisbane’s oldest lifts and see behind the analogue clock faces. Bookings are essential though, they fill fast.
Why we picked it: It offers a unique, historical perspective of Brisbane that many locals forget exists.
Little Shop of Horrors
This is the opening weekend for the musical, so grab tickets ASAP if you have older kids who love dark comedy. It’s a classic, campy horror-comedy that’s perfect for teens looking for something a bit edgier than usual school holiday fare.
Why we picked it: It's a major show opening this weekend, giving us a great arts fix for the holidays.
Cluedo
If the weather turns dodgy, this live stage version of Cluedo is a winner for families with tweens/teens. Everyone gets to play detective and figure out who did it—super engaging for that age group. Check times for Sunday too!
Why we picked it: It's an indoor theatrical event that's a bit of a nostalgic trip for parents and fun for older kids.
Bluey's World Brisbane
This world-first Bluey immersive experience is running all through January, so it’s the perfect day trip. You can explore life-size replicas of the living room and backyard—prepare for total meltdown-level excitement from the little ones. Don’t forget the café and play space inside!
Why we picked it: It's the globally famous Bluey experience running for a limited time before it wraps up in March 2026.
Olafur Eliasson: Presence
This is a mind-bending exhibition from a major international artist, so it’s a great way to get some culture in without being boring. Think optical illusions and reimagined landscapes—it’s very visual and will spark great conversations. Check if general entry is free, as GOMA often hosts paid features alongside free ones.
Why we picked it: It’s a Brisbane-exclusive exhibition from a world-renowned artist, offering high-calibre art exposure.
Saturday Fresh Market
If you need serious amounts of fresh fruit and veg, or just love wandering undercover aisles, hit up the Rocklea Markets. It's Brisbane's largest food/plant market and because it’s undercover, you don't have to worry about the January sun or surprise showers. They have everything from bakery goods to homewares too.
Why we picked it: It’s fully undercover, making it the perfect fail-safe plan for a scorching hot or rainy Saturday morning.
Mt Gravatt Markets
Get up early for this one; it’s a proper local Sunday market with heaps of stalls, including fresh produce and that cool ‘trash and treasure’ section for a bargain hunt. Kids under 16 are free, so it’s cheap entertainment to grab some early morning sunshine.
Why we picked it: It's a classic, community-focused Sunday market that's reliably good value.
Brisbane International - Family Fun Day
If the kids are into tennis, Sunday is Family Fun Day where up to four kids get free tickets with an adult purchase—a genuine saving! Watching the world’s top players compete is heaps more exciting than hitting practice balls yourself. It's a big-ticket event happening right on our doorstep.
Why we picked it: The special family ticket offer on Sunday makes this international sporting event accessible for families.
West End Markets
Get down to Davies Park for that classic boho, riverside vibe—great for a chill walk and grabbing some unique finds. The food stalls here are always top-notch for a casual, easy brunch. It's less about the groceries and more about the atmosphere.
Why we picked it: It’s the quintessential chilled Brisbane market experience by the river.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets Powerhouse
Jan Powers markets are legendary for their quality local produce—perfect for stocking up on summer stone fruit or finding artisan bread. It’s bustling, outdoorsy, and you can grab a coffee while you browse the goods. It runs every Saturday, but Sunday morning is often less manic than Saturday.
Why we picked it: It's a trusted local favourite for premium produce, perfect for weekend brunch ingredients.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets Manly
Head to Manly for the markets, which is a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning near the water. You get great local food, and then you can walk along the Esplanade afterwards with your goodies. These markets only run on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, but Jan Powers often has slightly different schedules for their locations—I'm assuming this Sunday date based on typical scheduling patterns for a Jan 4th Sunday.
Why we picked it: It combines a quality farmers market with a seaside location for a nice family outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Brisbane this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can get stuck into some genuinely free fun! The best bet is the MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs craft session at the Museum of Brisbane on Saturday. If you’re heading out on Sunday, the Saturday Fresh Market in Rocklea has free entry, and the West End Markets are also free to wander through.
What is there to do if it rains on Saturday?
If the weather turns sour on Saturday, head indoors for some entertainment. The Saturday Fresh Market at Rocklea is fully undercover, so you can still browse all the fresh produce and homewares without getting soaked. For older kids, seeing the stage production of Cluedo at QPAC is a great indoor option.
What's the best thing for toddlers/little kids this weekend?
The absolute must-do for little ones is Bluey's World Brisbane at Northshore, running all weekend. It's an immersive experience with life-size replicas of the Heeler house they'll adore. Alternatively, the MoB Kids: Dazzle Discs session at the Museum of Brisbane on Saturday is perfect for crafty little hands and is free to attend.